Setting up your UW NetID

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These instructions are intended for students who applied online to the Tacoma campus of the University of Washington. If you submitted a paper application, please follow the instructions you will receive by postal mail.

Step 1:
Have your UW online application username and password ready.

You can make sure you have the correct username and password by trying to login to your online application account. If successful, you will see your online application activity page. Then return to this page and proceed to step 2.

Step 3:
Set up your UW email account.

Frequently asked questions

I’m using the right username and password from my online application but I’m not able to create my UW account.

You must use the username and password from the account you used when you submitted your first online application to the UW. This can be a little tricky if you applied to more than one campus and you used different online accounts through CollegeNet.

Do I need a system key or Private Access Code (PAC)?

No, you do not need a system key or PAC. Only applicants who submitted a paper application or who are unable to create their account with their online application username and password will receive a system key and PAC. Those applicants will receive instructions in the mail about how to set up their account.

I reset my online application password.

If you reset your online application password, you can still proceed through steps 1 and 2. Double check that you have the correct username and password by logging back into your online application account activity. Once you can log in successfully, proceed to step 2.

I applied online and have the right login info but can't proceed.

If you know you applied online and you are using the correct username and password but cannot complete step 2, please contact the Office of Admissions.

I already have a UW account (UW NetID).

If you already have an account, please continue with this setup process. There will be a moment during the setup process where you will be asked if you already have a UW NetID. Answer "Yes" and proceed through the rest of the setup questions.

If you already have a UW NetID and you forgot your password then you will need to reset it. Go to the UW NetID password reset page. Enter in your UW NetID username and then choose a method to verify your identity. If you choose "Your UW Online Applicant for Admission Identity", then you will be asked to provide your online application username and password.

If you already have a UW NetID and you forgot your username, you will need to retrieve it. Go to the UW NetID username retrieval page. Verify your identity by providing your online application username and password. Once successful, you will see your UW NetID displayed at the top of the page.